Monthly Archives: March 2012

A Taste of Scots Music

I’ve made no secret of my Gaelic antecedents or my fascination with their history.  So it will come as no surprise, considering my love of music, the wail of the pipes can make my heart swell to bursting.  

I realize many think the sound akin to scalding cats, but there is just something uplifting—militant, if you will—to the bagpipes’ skirl.  Once a form of communication across the glens, the pipes became a call to arms, a call so stirring they were outlawed for a time.

A while back, I had the pleasure of seeing Clann an Drumma (Children of the Drum) at the Pennsylvania Rennaisance Faire.  I think I marched to the rhythm for days afterward.  Now, when it seems the world has claimed my shoulders for a pedestal, I put on their CDs and arouse my fighting spirit.  I’ve Scots blood in my veins.  I will not be defeated.

It’s with that in mind, I share this video.  I hope the music rouses you to strength as it does me.

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500 Years of Portraits of Women

A friend sent this to me, illustrating how our concept of beauty has changed through the years.  I found it fascinating and hope you do, too.

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The Three Little Pigs—in Shakespearean English

This is so funny, but it makes it plain why historical writers don’t try to mimic the English of their eras.

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March 4, 2012 · 10:00 pm